Ashington Manor Farm (Yeovil)
After a two-night stay at The Swan Hotel in Wells , we departed for Exeter. Along the way, our first stop was Ashington Manor Farm, the home of the husband and wife garden designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman. Roses are a specialty of the Bannerman's, but sadly, we were too early to see any. That disappointment was curtailed by touring their magnificent farmhouse, which we were invited to roam around at leisure. And Julian Bannerman, who did most all the talking, was a very entertaining man. Gathering at the front door - We actually entered at the side of the house, right off the patio, which led to this room, where the Bannerman's greeted us. The massive table was filled with books they had written as well as magazine articles about their gardens. As we were listening to Julian's speech, I happened to notice Isabel Bannerman's book "Husbandry" on the table and immediately recognized it as a book I have at home but have not gotten to yet. At the time, I ha...
Sounds like fun! Wish I could stop by, but it's a bit of a drive. ;-) Pretty cool that you have a "Men's Garden Club".
ReplyDeleteI'll be by; let's hope the weather cooperates. We've gotten wonderful plants in the past; last year we were able to buy butterfly weed that actually grew! [Lots of credit goes to the person who transplanted it.] It's worth a trip to Florence if you're anywhere nearby - the plants are great, everyone's willing to give out helpful information, and the prices are really good.
ReplyDeleteHope your sale went well! I agree with Lisa pretty cool that there is a Men's Garden Club. I can count on one hand the number of men in the garden club I belong to. I think most of them just bring their wife to the meeting or they are widowed and looking for another wife! Whatever works.
ReplyDeleteI think the sale was a success. I haven't heard yet how much money was made but there were a lot of people there and not many plants left.
ReplyDeleteThe Men's Garden Club is pretty active. I just recently joined. I wish there were younger guys in it - I think I'm the youngest and I'm no spring chicken. But everybody I've met is super nice.